By Abah Anthony John
ACI Africa, May 3, 2025 / 09:00 am
In the aftermath of this year’s Holy Week massacres in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states that reportedly left over 170 people dead, the pastor of St. Joseph Aboki Parish in the Diocese of Katsina-Ala has shared firsthand testimony of the deadly attacks, which he says were carried out by Fulani herders.
Over 170 Christians were reportedly killed during Lent and Holy Week in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with at least 72 deaths reported in Benue state alone during the Easter Triduum, between April 18–20.
The attacks, allegedly by Fulani militants, targeted Christian farming communities in Ukum and Logo counties, raising concerns over religious persecution and government inaction in the West African nation.
In an interview with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, on April 29, Father Moses Aondoanenge Igba shared his firsthand account of the horror that unfolded between Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
“It was a massive killing. I would say that above 70 people were killed at that time. After the attack, people continued counting their losses. When they could not find their missing brothers, sisters, or relatives, they searched the bushes and discovered their decomposing bodies, led by the odor,” Igba told ACI Africa.
He described the deadly attacks as well organized and systematic. He said: “What happened on that Holy Thursday, which I call Black Thursday, and the following day, Black Friday, was a massive attack and massive killing of innocent people in our communities.”
Alluding to previous deadly attacks in Nigeria during Christian festivities, the priest attributed the repeated killings to the agenda of Islamization on the part of the perpetrators and their accomplices.
“Do not forget the Islamization agenda they have.
In the midst of Christian festive periods, such as Christmas and Easter, a wave of violence disrupts the celebrations, leaving communities in shock and mourning. The underlying motives go beyond mere acts of terrorism; they point towards a deeper conquest ideology centered on land occupation and Islamization.
Father Igba, a dedicated priest in the midst of these troubled times, sheds light on the grim reality faced by his parishioners. The violence not only targets religious beliefs but also aims to cripple agricultural activities, impacting food security and livelihoods. It’s a calculated strategy to destroy communities and force them into submission.
Despite the dangers looming over his people, Father Igba remains steadfast in his mission to provide comfort and support. He recounts the tragic fate of Mr. Augustine Uzu, a parishioner who sought refuge at the parish house but fell victim to the merciless attackers. The harrowing account of his brutal death serves as a stark reminder of the relentless brutality faced by innocent lives.
In the face of such atrocities, Father Igba’s unwavering faith and resilience shine through. He recounts the heroic efforts made to retrieve Uzu’s remains and provide a dignified burial under the cover of darkness, a solemn act of defiance against the forces of darkness.
The priest also shares the miraculous survival of another parishioner who endured a brutal machete attack, his resilience a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome adversity. Through these stories of tragedy and triumph, Father Igba’s message resonates loud and clear – in the face of darkness, there is still hope, and in the face of despair, there is still faith.
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